deprexis is designed to guide patients through the content independently and intuitively. For technical questions, the manufacturer's support team is available to help. On the practitioner's side, a brief clarification of expectations is usually sufficient – you can use our patient flyer for this purpose.

deprexis is a comprehensive, interactive therapy program that offers a wide variety of exercises and content for individuals affected by depression. Here is an overview for you:

Behavioral activation

• Explanation of the connection between fulfilling, reinforcing activities and depression.
• Introduction to the concept of basic psychological needs (e.g., competence, autonomy, social connectedness).

Cognitive restructuring

• Explanation of how to manage automatic thoughts and cognitive distortions that fuel depression (e.g., catastrophizing, emotional reasoning).

Relaxation, physical activity, and lifestyle changes

• Introduction to various relaxation techniques for managing stress (e.g., breathing exercises, meditative visualization, progressive muscle relaxation).
• Importance of lifestyle changes (e.g., healthy diet, physical activity) for mental well-being.

Acceptance and mindfulness

• Explanation of the difficulties of trying to control or suppress unwanted thoughts and feelings.
• Introduction to ways of accepting such thoughts and feelings and learning how to cope with them.

Problem-solving

• Explanation of how to approach problems in a structured way as well as develop and implement potential solutions.

Childhood experiences

• A behaviorally oriented introduction to the connection between early learning experiences and the subsequent onset of depression.
• Guidance on how to process and handle problematic childhood experiences.

Interpersonal skills

• A behaviorally oriented explanation of the connection between one's own social behavior and depression.
• Insights into how to communicate positively with others and the impact this can have on your mood.

Positive psychology

• A behaviorally oriented explanation of the core elements of positive psychology (e.g., resource activation).
• Focus on personal strengths and talents.

Dreamwork (optional)

• A behaviorally oriented introduction to using dreams as an approach to problem-solving in everyday life.

Summary of key principles and techniques

• Summary of the most important principles and techniques from the previous sections.

deprexis is not suitable for certain severe mental health conditions. These include, for example, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, or acute psychotic episodes.

deprexis should also not be used for bipolar disorders (characterized by severe fluctuations between depressive and manic phases), as well as for acute suicidal crises or other severe mood symptoms.

As a DiGA (digital health application), deprexis is listed in the BfArM directory and classified as a Risk Class I medical device (under the MDR).

Click here to learn more about the contraindications.

As with depression treatments in general, immediate medical or psychotherapeutic care is required in the event of suicidal risk or an acute crisis.

Yes – deprexis can be prescribed for severe depressive episodes. Its efficacy within this spectrum of indications (including F32.2 and F33.2) has been successfully demonstrated in multiple clinical studies.

Yes, when deprexis is used in addition to traditional psychotherapy, the treatment outcomes can improve significantly.

Studies show: Individuals who used deprexis as an adjunctive tool to their therapy experienced improvements in their depressive symptoms that were more than twice as strong compared to those who received traditional psychotherapy without deprexis.

Berger T, Krieger T, Sude K, Meyer B, Maercker A. Evaluating an e-mental health program („deprexis“) as adjunctive treatment tool in psychotherapy for depression: Results of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. J Affect Disord. 2018;227:455‐462.

deprexis utilizes a dialogue-based structure, tailoring its content through choice pathways and feedback to match each patient's specific symptoms, goals, and progress. Users can set their own focus areas and work at their individual pace, making the treatment highly practical and personalized.

deprexis is designed to foster self-efficacy: patients work through CBT-based content at their own pace, practice strategies applicable to daily life, and receive structured feedback, making their progress tangible.

Generally, it is recommended to use the program once or twice a week for about half an hour to an hour.

In principle, deprexis is highly accessible and low-threshold because the content can be completed flexibly at one's own pace and no additional appointments are required.

At the same time, pre-existing conditions such as severe cognitive impairments, pronounced lack of motivation, or limited media and reading literacy can make usage more difficult. In these cases, a brief assessment of individual suitability and, if necessary, additional support can be helpful.

The easiest way is a brief explanation in plain language, for example: "deprexis is a medically prescribed online program for depression that is fully covered by your health insurance. It provides you with practical exercises and discussion topics to implement in your daily life – and you can start right away."

You are welcome to use our patient flyer, which explains the process, benefits, and the steps to get started in a step-by-step format.

Since 2020, the DiGAV (Digital Health Applications Ordinance) has established binding requirements regarding safety, functionality, quality, and data protection for applications listed in the BfArM directory. Inclusion occurs following evaluation via the BfArM fast-track process.

For you as a practitioner, this means: The application meets regulatory standards, while the technical implementation and operation remain the responsibility of the manufacturer.

Your responsibility as a prescriber lies solely in the medical-therapeutic assessment: verifying the indication, considering and documenting contraindications, ensuring the application is appropriate, and confirming that patients know what to do in the event of a worsening of symptoms or an acute crisis.

deprexis can be prescribed by all physicians and psychotherapists – regardless of the specific form of therapy they offer (e.g., psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral).

Yes, hospital physicians can prescribe deprexis as part of the discharge management process (using the standard prescription form / discharge prescription). Patients then submit the prescription to their health insurance company to receive their activation code.

Similarly, physicians in a Psychiatric Outpatient Department (PIA) or a day clinic can prescribe deprexis, provided that the facility or the treating clinician holds prescribing authority.

No. deprexis does not refer patients to psychotherapists or physicians.

If additional support is needed, a medical or psychotherapeutic practice can be contacted directly. The medical appointment service at 116 117 can also assist in finding a suitable treatment option.

For a straightforward reimbursement process, patients submit the prescription along with any required additional documents – such as a cost estimate – to their private health insurance or aid office. Prior consultation with the payer ensures coverage approval.

For federal aid, the following applies: Digital applications may be eligible for aid if they are prescribed by a physician or psychotherapist and the specific aid requirements are met.

Generally, no: deprexis is designed to be highly accessible (low-threshold), requires minimal technical setups, and is intuitive for patients to use. Experience shows that both younger and older patients cope well with the program.

If questions do arise, they usually concern the access path or the activation code. In these cases, patients can contact the deprexis technical support team directly.

No, your existing practice management software is completely sufficient.

You can find deprexis in your system under PZN 17265872. The prescription process is carried out through your current practice software as quickly and easily as you are used to. No additional software is required for a "traditional" prescription.

The electronic prescription of digital health applications is being gradually integrated into the infrastructure and practice management software. The specific availability depends on the status of your PMS (practice management system) and TI (telematics infrastructure).

Where the e-prescription for digital applications is already supported, the process is fundamentally identical to standard electronic prescribing – otherwise, the traditional prescription via Form 16 remains the reliable standard method.

Currently, there is no specific, permanently billable EBM billing code for solely prescribing deprexis.

The prescription is valid for 90 calendar days starting from the initial registration. This is the standard period during which patients can log in with their activation code and use deprexis.

To ensure a seamless continuation of the therapy, an early follow-up prescription is recommended. This ensures that all progress and data are securely preserved beyond the initial 90-day period.